THE RITUALS OF THE DEITIES - 3

For the performance of various Nitis in the temple, a large number of Sevakas (attendants of the deities) have been employed on hereditary basis, Break down covers. It is said that king Anangabhima of Ganga dynasty, a sovereign ruler of Orissa in this 13th century, who had initiated a well-knit administrative system of the temple had established Chatisa Nijoga, Le. 36 categories of temple attendants. In later years, the number of Nijogas in the temple has increased considerably, but the nomenclature of Chatisa Nijoga still persists. Over the years, the number of Sevakas has also increased. 

The Raja of Puri is the first Sevaka of the Lord. He represents the sovereign rulers of Orissa, who had constructed the temple, installed the deities, arranged for the worship or Nitis, appointined the Sevaks and administered the establishment, Remortgages Loan. During the foreign rule, they were the Superintendents of the temple.  

Then there are Rajagurus, who once were functioning as Parichas, or high officials of the Temple Administration. Then there is Pattajoshi Mahapatra, who is the head of the Sevakas of all thrity-six Nijogas. He ensures that the Sevakas perform their Seva properly and the rites of the temple are-observed regularly. Bhitaracha Mahapatra sees to the sanctity of the Bhoga being offered to the. deities and also to the cleanliness of the temple premises. Talucha Mahapatra likewise sees to the cleanliness of the kitchen. Mudiratha does all works of the Raja in the latter's absence as his representative. All the above Sevakas themselves perform Arati, Vandapan etc, of the deities at diff«rent times. The temple Purohita 'chants Vedic Mantras and performs Japa. Pujapandas performs the ritualistic Puja (worship), Puspalakas dress up the deities, smear sandal- wood paste etc. while Khuntias guard the sacred body of the deities. The Mekapas remain in charge of different store articles. Pratiharis keep guard over different strategic points, the suars cook the food offerings, the Karanas keep the accounts and the Devadasis sing songs before the deity. The Daitas perform all duties of the wooden deities during Snana and Ratha Festivals. They are said to be the descendants of the Savara chieftain Viswavasu as mentioned earlier and hence close relatives of Jagannatha.